NEWLY REORGANIZED FAITHWRITERS FORUM is for members of FaithWriters main site only and requires a separate registration below. Learn about FaithWriters membership options and all of our tools to help writers HERE. SUPPORT OUR MISSION to grow Christian writers and spread the gospel worldwide online HERE.

Just a short note to let you know that paramedics quickly responded to my 911 call this morning and transported Carol to the hospital. She was admitted into ICU for tests, scans, and monitoring of her condition. The doctors there suspect a stroke; a possible heart attack while she was being transported; severe dehydration; a UTI; a hypo-thyroid condition; possible kidney failure; a stomach obstruction; anemia; and out-of-control diabetes blood sugar.

One doctor told me, "She is one very sick lady." Another said, "It is fortunate you brought her in when you did."

I spent most of the day at the hospital after only an hour of sleep last night. I'll keep you as informed as I can.

Don

John 14:6Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Praying for both of you, Don, and for the doctors to identify the problem quickly. Praying also for refreshing sleep to enhance healing and rejuvenation. Are your son and daughter able to join you for awhile?

Also praying for you and Carol, Don. Maybe they will be able to find some real answers that will help her.

I too drop in very often. There are some serious family issues going on, but thankfully, for days now the lyrics to Matt Reman's song keep running through my head hour by hour, day after day.

Here they are:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Your perfect love is casting out fear And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life I won’t turn back I know You are near

And I will fear no evil For my God is with meAnd if my God is with me Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus: Oh no, You never let go Through the calm and through the storm Oh no, You never let go In every high and every low Oh no, You never let go Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on A glorious light beyond all compare And there will be an end to these troubles But until that day comes We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Chorus:

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on And there will be an end to these troubles But until that day comes Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Don, praying here, too. Her condition is so severe, and it's a good thing you called 911 when you did. What a heartbreaking time for you. May you have an overwhelming sense of God's presence and love. And I hope your kids are with you and Carol.

We are having a MN snow storm, but leaving very soon to go to the hospital (about 10 miles away). Traffic and roads are terrible today. Not to worry, though. I think that MN humans are used as training tools for sled dogs.

Son will meet me there, and daughter is driving up from Iowa hoping to arrive by early afternon.

Received three phone calls from hospital last night, but they were just asking for routine information.

Nothing more to share now.

Don

John 14:6Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Don, your sense of humor coming through is encouraging! I hope that means you were able to get a good night's sleep, "around the edges" (as our family calls it) of interrupting phone calls. I'm glad your back-up team of son and daughter can join you, too. Praying for safe travel over snowy roads for everyone.

I don't plan to shovel around here until the snow quits. Perhaps a neighbor will run his snowblower down the sidewalk before I make it outside.

This is the first I've been able to get into this site. FW somehow makes me jump through several hoops to gain admittance anymore. I suspect my computer needs attention, too, so I'll call the repairman Monday.

Don, I know this must be such a difficult time for you, torn in so many directions. But our dear Lord is in the commander's seat and will guide you and Carol every inch, step and minute of the way. I pray for peace for her, for rest for you both, for the safety of your kids as they travel to be with you, for God to pour extra strength into every limb and every part of your body, for Carol to be relieved of any discomfort and to have an unusual sense of God's presence around her.

Email me if you need to talk.

God bless, my dear brother.

Mariane

Mariane Holbrook

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Carol's unstable state has improved slightly to something less unstable, but with some worsening issues is still very unstable.

First the better news:1) The brain CT was clear, the stomach x-rays were okay, and the bladder/kidney ultrasound showed nothing unusual. 2) A recent heart attack and stroke has been ruled out. 3) She is being re-hydrated, and the anemia, the low potassium levels, and the low blood sugar levels are being carefully controlled, plus, her low blood pressure readings have been raised slightly.

Now, the not-so-good news:1) Carol's heart pumping function has steadily dropped down to only 10% in the past 2-3 months with no way to improve it. It was about 20% six months ago. 2) Her kidney function crashed to less than 5% during the past month. Little or no improvement is expected. Dialysis is not possible with her weak heart - it would kill her.3) Soon her weak heart and the almost non-existent kidney function will fight against each other with devastating results. It's only a matter of time before that happens.

Misc:1) In a moment of frustration this morning she ripped out her catheter causing major tissue damage and extensive bleeding.2) The hospital will soon have done about all they can do to help her. In-home hospice care with a nurse present 24 hr/day for Carol's remaining time is being discussed.3) I'll try to keep you informed the best I can.

Don

John 14:6Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

With your status reports on Carol in recent months, it sure seemed like you'd be telling us something like this soon. I'm just so sorry. It's evident how deeply you love her. What a heartbreaking time for you.

Thanks for updating us when you can. I'm sure I'm not the only one checking here frequently. Anything we can say seems so inadequate for what you're going through. You know that you're in our thoughts and prayers during these incredibly difficult days.

With your status reports on Carol in recent months, it sure seemed like you'd be telling us something like this soon. I'm just so sorry. It's evident how deeply you love her. What a heartbreaking time for you.

Thanks for updating us when you can. I'm sure I'm not the only one checking here frequently. Anything we can say seems so inadequate for what you're going through. You know that you're in our thoughts and prayers during these incredibly difficult days.

Laurie covered so well what I would have written, I'll just "second the motion" and add my "Amen."Our times are in His hands, and that's the best place, ever, for whatever comes. We continue to stand in the gap with you, Don, making up that hedge of protection against all the fiery darts of the wicked one. I am relieved to see that the load for Carol's care can be shared with another helper coming alongside. My prayer is for the best care giver(s) you could imagine to lend support.Perhaps another Towana Carter, from this true account:Investments